Many years ago the Lower east Side was the first stop for Jewish immigrants coming to the New World. Once an area of tenement houses, push carts, cobblestone streets, foreign dialects, and dreams of a better lie, the hip and happening Lower East Side of today bears little resemblance to the sepia-toned vision we have of this area in the early part of the last century. These days the pickle purveyors, bagel bakeries and garment shops have given way to designer handbag boutiques, high-end champagne bars, and jewelry emporiums selling pricey baubles to the faux slumming hordes from uptown. In New York parlance this is gentrification at work - a neighborhood in transition.

Standing among these cultural and economic crosscurrents is the Blue Moon Hotel, a paen to the area's bygone era, located in an updated and renovated 1879 tenement house. Named after a resort the owner's family managed on Coney Island long ago, the Blue Moon is one of the few boutique hotels in this part of town and certainly the only hotel that embraces and celebrates its humble origins at the same time.

The hotel has been meticulously renovated with inspired artistic touches and architectual and ornamental details salvaged from the original structure. The lobby is done up in period furniture and the walls are lined with collages made from old magazines and artifacts from Lower east Side history. Be sure to note the original banisters and wainscoting and the pre-WWI Coca-Cola vending machine. This is hotel as museum - old world charm to attract leisure travelers seeking a cultural experience. Bedrooms befit an eclectic bohemian with a trust fund - stylish but with a slacker's edge. The Blue Moon may not be the last word in luxury, but it is clearly a labor of love and its off-beat quirkiness has a special charm. The Lower East Side is definitely one of the more exciting and dynamic areas of Manhattan these days and is certainly worth visiting even if you don't want to stay there. However, if you want to be located where you can put one foot in New York's past and one foot in New York's future, the Blue Moon is a great place to stay.

Citysearch - Blue Moon Hotel Editorial Review, by Julia Israel

The Scene
The unique boutique hotel showcases a hodgepodge of remnants from the old tenement space mixed with crushed velvet couches, crimson pillows and countless plants. Wood paneling from the original stairwell covers the wall, a soap stone sink from the old basement now holds flowers, and mosaic tiles from the original vestibule dot the floor. To further the theme, tunes from the 1930s and 40s play as guests browse collection of keepsakes or, in a more modern turn, browse the internet at the lobby's computer station.

The Details
Celebrity memorabilia and 1920's-style furniture fill 22 spacious rooms, each named for a different "old New York" entertainer. The hotel features six room types that range in price based on amenities such as size, terraces, closets, and views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Sunken bathtubs, empty mini-fridges, bar sinks, flat screen TVs, DVD players and free wireless access are standard in every room.

Editorial Review
History and luxury collide in a Lower East Side hotel filled with artful details from an original tenement.

Visitors are Often Inspired by the Blue Moon Hotel

Here's what many have said on one of the top-ranked traveller web sites:

Cognitive_Guru

Holland

Feb 28, 2007

Thoughtfully, tastefully and authentically restored to its 19th-century ambience, The Blue Moon Hotel provides a wonderful oasis conveniently located in downtown Manhattan. All the woodwork, accessories, furniture and even the decorative tin ceilings in the elevator have been restored by hand, allowing even the casual visitor to "step back in time" and be an aristocrat for an evening. Within easy walking distance of several restaurants and the subway, the Blue Moon Hotel provides great accommodations at a great price--particularly for New York City!

I was even pleasantly surprised by the continental breakfast items, available gratis round-the-clock, including fresh fruit; assorted muffins, bagels, rolls, croissants & bread. Even in New York, where almost everything is impressive, you're sure to be inspired by this urban gem.

Third stay- better each time

tonyBoston

Boston

Feb 14, 2007

I just came back from my third stay at the Blue Moon Hotel and can't say enough positive things about it. I travel to New York frequently and first stayed there in Dec. 06. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, clean and a bargain based on New york hotel standards both in price and size.

The location is easy to navigate to and from other areas via car, taxi or subway. When I rent a car there is a great lot 2 blocks away for 18.00 anight. But this isn't about money, I've stayed at most of the large and small boutique hotels in New York over the past 20 years. The Blue Moon is my favorite. The staff is friendly and helpful, and was welcoming on my return trips. The morning breakfast is wonderful with fresh bagels, bialys and other pastries, along with coffee, tea and juice.

I look forward to my next stay. Thanks guys- great job!

Great bijou hotel

takenocrap

bucks

Mar 13, 2008

Writing this review at JFK airport wishing we had a few more nights at the Blue Moon. This Hotel is a beautifully and lovingly restored old tenement building which is such a refreshing change from the usual NYC hotel chains. The staff are welcoming warm and only too pleased to help. The rooms are a good size , individual, cosy, comfortable and romantic. Although not placed in midtown Manhattan there is a subway just around the corner which enables easy (15mins) access to the mid town area. More importantly the local area (Lower East Side) is vibrant at night with restaurants and bars including live music, however the hotel is quiet and free from noise. We travel all around the world and are fortunate to stay in top notch hotels, but this little gem has soul, character, charm and warmth and we shall be recommending it to all our friends.

Lovely

rebeccataigar

Chicago

Oct 9, 2007

I love this hotel, my husband and I stay there everytime we go to New York. The staff is so friendly and the rooms are unique and comfortable (perhaps the roomiest I've had in NYC).

Plus it is so nice to stay on the Lower East side, away from all of the tourists and traffic of Midtown.

So friendly!

Mac76

LV, NV

Sep 21, 2007

Had only 2 nights in NY ! My friend & I were treated like royalty from the moment we arrived! Stayed in the Benny Goodman suite! Only my second trip to NYC, however the staff freely offered many wonderful recommendations for lunch, dinner, drinks, and NY experiences and all the directions necessary!! Each idea turned out to be a real treat! The hotel is cosy and friendly, the rooms spotless and comfortable and every aspect shows how much love has been put into its development! Congratulations Blue Moon. Another very satisfied and hopefully soon-to-be repeat customer and friend! Thank you!

We loved the Blue Moon Hotel!

sportygus

Pennsylvania

Aug 31, 2007

Our stay at the Blue Moon was a highlight of New York City! The small number of rooms and welcoming lobby allowed frequent interaction with the hotel staff who were the epitome of excellent service. The concierge took personal interest in us and our needs, answering a multitude of questions regarding directions, restaurants, and what to see during our short stay. Talking with her was like having an insider's view of the city and all her recommendations were used and thoroughly enjoyed. The historic aspects of the hotel itself were charming, and I was extremely appreciative of the impeccable cleanliness. I fully plan on staying again at the Blue Moon as soon as I get another chance! Thank you Antonella and the rest of your excellent staff!

Unique Experience at the Blue Moon

cmachara

South Bend, IN

Jul 31, 2007

A truly unique experience. Beautifully refurbished, historical hotel. A great deal, considering it was only priced a few dollars more than the Howard Johnson down the road. A four-star hotel for just a few bucks more than a two star hotel? 300 thread count sheets, huge

But it is also a historical experience, starting from entering the lobby. Right next to the Tenement Museum. The owner gave us a tour and explained how the buiding was a time capsule, boarded up since the thirties.

When they opened it up to refurbish they found many treasures which they kept and included in the decoration--fascinating. On the walls were the doors to the coal ovens in each tenement apartment, the tiles above the hearth line the lobby. Old cards, invitations, and newspapers from when the building was a printing shop were framed in collages on the wall. Medicine bottles, pill boxes, and other found treasures are part of the interior decoration.

The owner is an artist, commited to the preservation of the past. How many people would take the time and effort to explore and preserve such a historic site?

Finally, you can tell the attention given from guests just by looking at the reviews and seeing the manegment's response. Almost all have a response!

Skip Times Square Hotels, and stay on the Lower East Side for a unique, historical, comfortable, experience.

ssross

bethesda, maryland

Apr 9, 2007

I decided to do some family genealogy and take a tour of the Tenement Museum on Orchard Street. When I heard about the Blue Moon Hotel and its historical interest, I thought it would be a wonderful experience to stay in the neighborhood where my greatgrandparents spent many years of their life. The Blue Moon Hotel was worth every penny. The service was excellent and my room was overly comfortable. It is quite obvious that the owners of this unique hotel spent countless hours and capital in differentiating the Blue Moon Hotel from its peers. It reminds me of the setting of a European hotel. For those who want to visit the Lower East Side, I would highly recommend staying here.

Special, one-of-a-kind experience!

pom48

Connecticut

Mar 21, 2007

Stay at the Blue Moon if you're interested in warmth, graciousness, and hospitality. We recently stayed one night at this charming 22 room hotel and can't wait to have an opportunity to return. The rooms were large and extremely clean and the ambience was delightful. We were looking for something out of the ordinary and the Blue Moon didn't disappoint. It's truly unique in a city full of the same old run of the mill hotel chains.

A bit of Europe in NY

Jet2Toronto

Toronto

Mar 19, 2007

A great little European style hotel in a big city. Have stayed in similarly priced hotels in NY before and none compare to the hospitality, the spacious, spotless room (I was in the one of the smallest too!) and the quiet (I was facing the street.) Would highly recommend for those seeking unique.

The Blue Moon is a Gem

CAROhio

Ohio

Mar 12, 2007

The Blue Moon Hotel on New York's Lower East Side is truly charming. The Hotel is a meticulously renovated tenement building.The rooms are very large for New York-- nicely decorated and immaculately clean. The technology is up to date, with internet access and flat screen TV.

I have stayed there twice, and both of my rooms (the lowest priced) overlooked Orchard Street. The neighborhood atmosphere is unlike any I have experienced in a New York hotel. It is an easy walk to the East Village, Chinatown, SoHo and Little Italy. Everything else is only a slightly longer walk or a short taxi or subway ride away.

I stayed at the Blue Moon the first time because it was near the theaters and other activities I had planned. The second time, I returned because I liked the hotel so much. The old fashioned practice of leaving your key at the front desk when you step out (and the fact that the front desk is staffed 24 hours) made me feel very safe.

The Blue Moon is very unique-- like an old time inn, but with the modern conveniences. It would be a pleasure to stay at such a place in any city, but the fact that it is in an historic New York neighborhood makes it extra special.

You'll appreciate this quaint hotel!

abacusweb

CA

Jan 21, 2007

If you are looking for a charming hotel in the heart of the lower east side, you will truly appreciate The Blue Moon Hotel.

The owners lovingly restored the building and used original materials to create a wonderfully aesthetic little gem of a hotel. The display of craftsmanship used throughout the entire hotel will continually amaze and delight as you view the original tiles, woodwork, fixtures, etc. and feel the history of the building. You'll love it.

The original artwork by the owner displayed in the lobby is stunning as well, provides the "hip" element.

There is real warmth that comes from the family style atmosphere the onsite owners convey, and the staff is genuinely helpful and concerned that your stay is as pleasant as possible.

The rooms are large, the bed is comfortable and cozy, and there's a flat screen TV in each room (cool).

I highly recommend this hotel

A great hotel

Niece

West Virginia

Dec 10, 2006

If you are expecting a typical American hotel, this is definitely not a good choice for you. We loved the European flair to the quaint hotel with a cozy atmosphere. Everyone from the owner/manager to the front desk was extremely kind and helpful. This hotel adds a touch of class to your stay in New York.The hotel and rooms were clean. A nice bathroom touch was being provided with toothbrushes and toothpaste. The continental breakfast was simple, well done and charming. The choices were unique and delicious.The subway is conveniently located a block away.